CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which type of drug relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness?

1. Anesthetic

2. Antihistamine

3. Analgesic

4. Anticonvulsant

The correct answer is: Analgesic

The choice of analgesic is accurate because this class of drugs is specifically designed to relieve pain without affecting consciousness. Analgesics work by targeting pain pathways in the nervous system to alleviate discomfort, allowing patients to maintain full awareness and cognitive function. In contrast, anesthetics are used to induce a state of unconsciousness or sedation, which is not the intended effect of analgesics. Antihistamines primarily combat allergic reactions and are not primarily designed for pain relief. Anticonvulsants are used to manage seizure disorders and may also have some pain-relieving properties in specific contexts, but their primary function is not pain relief. Thus, analgesics are distinct in their ability to provide pain relief while allowing the patient to remain alert and conscious.